President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the full implementation of compulsory health insurance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government, in line with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022.
This directive was announced on Wednesday in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The NHIA Act, signed into law in 2022, makes health insurance mandatory for every Nigerian while empowering the Authority to ensure nationwide coverage and take all necessary steps to achieve universal health access.
To enforce compliance, President Tinubu instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to circulate an official service-wide notice, mandating all MDAs to align with the new policy. The President further emphasized the importance of constructive collaboration with the private sector to ensure the smooth implementation of the law without creating unnecessary constraints for businesses.
According to Onanuga, the President’s order covers five critical areas. Firstly, every MDA must enrol its employees in the NHIA health insurance scheme as a matter of priority. While the NHIA plan is compulsory, MDAs may also subscribe to supplementary private health insurance coverage if they so wish, provided it aligns with the provisions of the Act.
Secondly, any organization or entity seeking to participate in public procurement must present a valid Health Insurance Certificate issued by the NHIA as part of their eligibility requirements. This certificate confirms that the organization is compliant with the mandatory insurance directive, and it will now serve as a precondition for entering into or continuing procurement-related engagements with the government.
Thirdly, the directive requires all MDAs to demand valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificates from applicants seeking licenses, permits, or other official approvals. This measure is expected to expand compliance, ensuring that individuals and businesses engaging with government institutions are adequately covered under the national health insurance system.
Fourthly, to guarantee transparency and efficiency, the NHIA will develop and launch a digital platform that will make it possible to verify Health Insurance Certificates easily. This online system will simplify the process for government officials, businesses, and individuals, while reducing opportunities for fraud or manipulation.
Finally, President Tinubu has instructed every MDA to establish internal mechanisms for verifying the authenticity of submitted Health Insurance Certificates. These procedures must include regular compliance checks to ensure that both employees and external partners are fully adhering to the requirements of the NHIA Act.
By directing the enforcement of these measures, Tinubu aims to advance Nigeria’s progress toward universal health coverage, in line with global best practices. The initiative is also seen as a decisive step toward strengthening the country’s healthcare system, promoting accountability, and ensuring that Nigerians have equitable access to quality medical care.
With this move, the Federal Government is sending a strong message about its commitment to improving health outcomes for citizens and building a sustainable national insurance framework that safeguards both workers and businesses across all sectors.
